2017 has been a fascinating year in my growth as a sculptor. I went back to school this year, starting with Holmesglen TAFE to learn the fundamentals of wood work, using hand tools and having access to 'rip your arm off' wood machines, the kind we had at Arts School that we were so lucky to have use of largely due to their time saving benefits.

Once I received my certificates 1 and 2 the only next option at TAFE was to undertake a carpentry apprenticeship. Well that wasn't going to suit so I researched the next steps, from Men's Sheds to woodwork associations, none quite suiting due to culture, timing or location.

Finally I found the Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking, a place of patient learning with like minded people all keen to hone their skills.

This school enables me to continue my sculptural practice within a safe and creative environment. The piece below looks deceptively simple, but the angles, design and trickery that goes into a piece like this enabled me to learn so much about the wood itself as well as the machines and hand tools.

I'm really excited about where this can go with 2018 all about exploring LED lighting powered by solar cells , utilising both branches and wood.